Protein

Protein
Protein molecules are made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Protein is sometimes abbrevieated PRO.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids. The body can only synthesize (make from one or more compounds that you eat) about 11 of them (non-essential amino acids). The remaining 9 we must consume and are referred to as essential amino acids.

Functions of Protein: (Source: Nutrition, Food and Fitness: The Science of Wellnesss by Dorothy F. West Goodheart-WIlcox Company, Inc. 2004)
 * Build and Maintain Tissues
 * Make Important Compounds
 * Regualte Mineral and Fluid balance
 * Maintain Acid-Base balance
 * Carry vital substances
 * Provide energy